A new proposal that would protect individuals serving as volunteer or paid on-call emergency responders from workplace discrimination was introduced by State Representative Jaime Greene on Tuesday.
Greene, of Richmond, represents Michigan’s 65th House District, which covers portions of eastern Lapeer, western St. Clair, and northern Macomb counties.
Greene’s House Bill 4433 would create the Emergency Responder Employment Protection Act, prohibiting employers from disciplining or firing employees who responded to an emergency while on their way to work.
In addition to protecting first responders from unfair retaliation, Greene’s legislation also includes safeguards to ensure absences do not create workplace safety concerns and allows for civil recourse in the event of violations. Greene praised one of her district’s local first responders, New Haven Firefighter Kevyn Swandon, for helping put together this new policy proposal.
House Bill 4433 was referred to the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness.
